Humbling Small

Listen to this poem here!

i like to spend time

in wide open spaces.

in fact, i think

these are my happiest places.

wind in my face

and sand in my hair.

why does this type of calm

seem so rare?

my back nestled against

the trunk of a tall tree,

staring up at her crown

and the veins of her leaves.

a dip in the water

adrift in the sea.

i feel like a speck

as waves crash over me.

my eyes are glued

to the stars above.

i’ve connected the dots.

i’ve fallen in love,

with that feeling—that feeling of small.

not a powerless small, more of a humbling small—

that maybe it’s not my responsibility to carry it all.

i think we’re ignoring these spaces,

living in arrogant and manufactured bliss.

we’re going to lose their gentle reminder,

if these places cease to exist.

i’m no longer overwhelmed

to create a world more free.

let’s put in the work together

to humbly rebuild our community.